Too good to be true? Surprising sweet treat may aid weight loss, lower cholesterol and prevent Alzheimer's

These beneficial effects are attributed to a compound found in chocolate called theobromine.

Theobromine is responsible for making chocolate so delightfully stimulating. The compound, found in cocoa beans, boosts our moods and our state of alertness.

It's also anti-inflammatory, high in antioxidants and can protect the brain from Alzheimer’s, scientists say.

According to the researchers, from Zhengzhou University in China, theobromine can counter the impact of high cholesterol levels on memory and cognitive function.

The magical compound can also help the body break down fats to promote weight loss.

And the beneficial effects do not stop there: theobromine may protect the kidneys and liver. The authors cited another study that found a link between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity.

“In a study by Dan Wei et al., the effects of theobromine on an NAFLD mouse model were examined, revealing that theobromine led to reductions in body weight, liver weight, and improvements in liver morphology,” they explained.

Furthermore, it can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and act as an adenosine receptor antagonist, potentially attenuating the effects of depression and enhancing cognitive function.

According to the study, published in the Journal of Functional Foods, eating chocolate could even give your immune system a boost thanks to its inflammatory properties, scientists say.

“Inflammation is a multifaceted process that engages white blood cells and the release of chemicals into the bloodstream or affected tissues to combat foreign invader."

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The researchers wrote: "Theobromine showcases neuro-protective attributes, enhances cognitive function and holds promise in mitigating age‑related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders.

"In daily life, theobromine can be used as a health supplement to help regulate immune function, promote fat metabolism and maintain cardiovascular health.

"It can also be utilised for the development of obesity treatment drugs or formulations due to its anti-obesity effects."

The researchers added theobromine could be combined with other drugs to create potent new treatments for a variety of illnesses.